Finnish wind assisted propulsion system (WAPS) company Norsepower has completed the installation of one of the company’s rotor sails onboard the 2026-built bulk carrier ‘Yodohime’ for IINO Lines and J-Power.
The installation work was carried out at a dockyard in December 2024, and the first voyage after the installation was successfully completed in January 2025.
The 24m x 4m Norsepower rotor sail was installed on the forecastle deck of the vessel. It uses AI technology to automatically control the rotation, direction, and speed of the rotor sail using real-time meteorological information, such as wind direction and wind speed, detected by sensors.
The Magnus effect generated when wind meets the rotating cylindrical sail produces a powerful thrust which, in combination with the voyage optimisation system, is expected to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by about 6%-10%.
Image: Bulk carrier ‘Yodohime’ with Norsepower rotor sail (source: Norsepower)
